How to Treat Condensation on Your Windows in Derby
Condensation on windows is a problem. For many of homeowners, landlords and tenants in Derby, it is an all too common one.
Do you wake up in the morning to find your bedroom windows dripping with water? The pools of water on the windowsills and black mould around the window frame are everyday annoyances but could soon lead to a more serious damp problem.
Where is all this water coming from? Is it bad for my health? How do I get rid of it?
We aim to answer these questions in this guide.
Getting rid of condensation on windows is easier than you might think. We explain what causes condensation on windows and give you some options for getting rid of it.
Window condensation
Window condensation is a common issue in Derby and throughout the UK. There are a number of causes of condensation on the inside of windows. First, we must look at what exactly condensation is and what causes it.
What causes condensation on windows?
Condensation on windows occurs because water vapour in the air deposits itself on surfaces that are at lower temperatures.
When moist air comes into contact with the cold impermeable surface of your windows, it releases some of this moisture onto the glass as water droplets. This is condensation.
Moisture gets into the air in our homes through everyday activities like cooking, washing, showering and drying clothes. With modern insulation and double-glazing, this moist air has no way of escaping your property.
Window condensation is usually a bigger issue in colder months. This is because the warm air in your home holds more moisture than cold air. The surface temperature of your windows is also much lower. Together this means more moisture is deposited onto cold surfaces like windows and exterior walls. At Permagard, we receive hundreds of calls from people wanting to know how to stop condensation on their windows in winter.
Stopping condensation on windows
To stop condensation on windows, you have several options. These range from small practical changes that you can start doing right away to installing a vent or a whole house ventilation system.
Practical Changes
Some basic things you can do to reduce the amount of moisture in the air include covering pans when cooking, taking quicker showers and avoiding drying your clothes indoors, particularly on radiators. If you have an extractor fan in the kitchen, you should always use it when cooking.
You can also increase ventilation by opening windows, in particular at opposite sides of the house to allow for cross ventilation.
The best option for getting rid of condensation permanently is a ventilation system.
Click the tabs above where we briefly highlight the systems available to help get rid of condensation.
Passive ventilation uses natural forces to encourage airflow through your property. These vents contain no moving parts, making them very affordable and easy to maintain.
Heat Recovery ventilation systems work by replacing the moist air in your home with filtered, fresh air from outside. They include a heat exchange unit. This unit captures the heat from the warm air in your home as it leaves and uses it to warm the incoming fresh air. This significantly reduces the amount of heat wasted and reduces your energy bills.
The Kair Heat Recovery Ventilation Unit recovers up to 86% of heat, making it a highly effective solution to condensation in a single problem room.
Positive input ventilation or PIV systems work by continuously replacing the moist air in your home with fresh, filtered air from outside. They are installed in your loft and will provide whole house ventilation. Window condensation in your home should be eradicated.
The Nuaire Drimaster Eco PIV system is a highly effective and energy efficient version that gets rid of condensation and improves air quality in your home.
Three Counties Damp and Groundworks– Over 15 Year’s Experience in Condensation Control
If you have any questions about ventilation systems or how to get rid of condensation on windows give the team here at Three Counties Damp and Groundworks a call. We can advise you on the best methods for your situation and offer a free, no obligation quotation for treatment should a professional solution be required.